School Board Has Links to Rightwing Militia, W&M Law Students Demand Better Pay, and More

Historic Triangle News Roundup February 18-24

Feb 25, 2024

Good morning! Before we get started, check out this guide from Colonial Williamsburg on how to read a Virginia Gazette issue from 1776! Fair warning: there’s not a lot of local news in it - the publishing process was too slow back then!

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OK, here’s the top stories of the week:

York County School Board divided after rightwing militia ties exposed

Newly elected Board Chair Lynda Fairman is facing criticism for allegedly directing members of the “York County Poquoson Constitutional Militia” to film a Family Life Sex Education event at Dare Elementary last month.
A video from last October surfaced of militia leader Bob Herget explaining plans to get Fairman and two other militia affiliates, Kimberly Goodwin and Zoran Pajevic, elected to the school board. Herget is connected to far-right extremists.
The board is also at risk of possible legal action from superintendent Dr. Victor Shandor for alleged retaliation. A militia affiliate also requested the addresses of teachers who’ve spoken out against the board. The next meeting is tomorrow.

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W&M Law School students, some on food stamps, organize for better pay

Since the beginning of the school year, students, many who work as research assistants, administrative aides and student ambassadors for the Law School, are demanding a raise to $20/hour. Currently, students make the minimum $12/hour.
These student workers are only allowed to work a maximum 16 hours a week, meaning the maximum they can take home before taxes each week is $192. The cost of living in the area has forced some to sign up for food stamps.
Law School Dean and Trustee Professor A. Benjamin Spencer has made promises to raise wages after meeting with student organizers last year, but the exact amount will be determined after the budget process starts next month.

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Other Headlines

A Newport News high school student died this week after Menchville school staff did not attempt CPR for nine minutes following her fainting. The student’s family wants answers, saying the school knew she had an existing heart condition.
A new report shares details on the espionage charges for Navy Chief Fire Controlman Bryce S. Pedicini, who was detained last May. Pedicini is accused of passing classified documents to a foreign contact while stationed in Norfolk.
Anti-Israel graffiti was found this week on W&M campus, with school leaders saying those responsibile will face criminal charges. Children in Gaza are starving to death due to the Israeli blockade of humanitarian aid.